NZ576825A - A reflector apparatus suitable for roads and vehicles or as an ornament - Google Patents

Abstract

A safety reflector suitable for roads and vehicles, able to receive external ambient light 7 or other remote energy sources from at least two directions in order to luminesce or fluoresce a body 3 lodged in a tapered section between at least two reflectors 1 placed in close proximity to one another. The reflector may have lenses fitted in or near its tapered or converging end. Preferably the reflector is able to emit light at 360 degrees even when received light appears from one direction only. The reflector may be equipped with auxiliary diode lights powered by solar cells or transferring energy from a distantly located primary coil and a secondary coil housed within a safety device (not shown).

Description

07/05 2009 THU 14:43 FAX +61 8 8231 1273 Collisoa & Co — IPONZ 0007/037 Form 5 Patents Ac! liibS Page 1 of 1 - - 57 6 8 2 5 - -- Where priority as provided by subsection (2) or subsection (3) of section 11 of the Patents Act 1953 is wanted in respect of one or more provisional specifications, please quote the number(s) below Patent Number(s) Date(s) && 0% lG2.fc3.4- JP alcSo^ &b 0613^41 1 Bi -300% £>5 Oi CM 332-1 6.P OS44-,<TY}33 "2'j& -StAc-oirxJ -Z-DC^ i 4 OcAn\>&T 200S 6TP 0<H45c>ID 3i M<xrc-h Title of invention; A Pe-(- lec4-or ftpprg-lvs -Pnr fyxaoig oi/\d ..ye-jiic ie5 or oo o,?\ qcts o, w &'a f I (ef-We.) (Stale kill name, address, and nationality oi applicants) as in application form) I &<-■? LevariJ Almvacj^n ~lj 5 T &, 5£i-~ 13^ 3o AHa.... Stolen ^Mcrl"ic>AttK+*j ~ S.yv^ol i 6 b J) hereby declare the invention, for which I (or we) pray that a patent may be granted to me (or us), and the method by which it is to be performed, to be particularly described in and by the following statement (On the next page begin full description of invention. The continuation of the specification should be upon paper of the same size as this form, on one side only, with the lines well spaced and with a margin of 2.5 cm on the left hand part of the paper. The completion of the description should be followed by the claim or claims numbered ■ consecutively. (See note below.) The specification must be signed at the end) NOTE.-The claims must relate to a single invention, must be clear and succinct. and must be fairly based on the matter disclosed in the specification. They should form in brief a clear statement of that which constitutes the invention; Applicants should be careful that their claims include neither more nor l&ss than they desire to protect by their patent. Any unnecessary multiplicity of claims or prolixity of language should be avoided. Claims should not be made for the efficiency or advantages of the invention.

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY OFFICE. OF N.Z. -7 MAY 2009 RECEIVED Economic \ Development Vi/ J| -"-■ ■■«j■ JjB 07/05 2009 THU 14:44 FAX +61 8 8231 1273 Collison & Co —IPONZ 0008/037 7 6 8 2 5 A REFLECTOR APPARATUS SUITABLE FOR ROADS AND VEHICLES OR AS AN ORNAMENT FIELD OF INVENTION This invention relates to reflector apparatus suitable for roads and vehicles or as 5 an ornament BACKGROUND Reflectors are used widely to secure a safer environment for cyclists, pedestrians, mariners, aviators and others by reflecting backlight from a light source. Road reflectors have been proven to be highly effective by providing an alert system to 10 prevent drivers from straying off road or out of lanes, helping to reduce accidents and save lives.

Mr. Percy Shaw invented a reflecting lens road stud, which reflected headlights back to motorists in order to demarcate the side of roads, assisting in keeping cars and other vehicles on the road and out of the way of oncoming traffic. The 15 reflecting lens was originally invented by Richard Hollis Murray, and consists of a glass body lens with a concave mirror coated rear side.

Prior art may be exemplified by: GB436290/GB457536/GB1187663/GB2041047/ GB2041047/GB2190123/GB2075094/US3693511 /US5529430/US5513924/ US4088416/US4889409AJS5624175.

SUMMARY Some reflectors are described as road safety retro reflective raised pavement markers, and are designed to draw attention to changes in road infrastructure, and 07/05 2009 THU 14:44 FAX +61 8 8231 1273 Collison & Co IPONZ 1009/037 2 provide a means of increasing warning distances for drivers to reduce or adjust their speed according to prevailing circumstances. Present road reflectors are not so efficient during rain and overcast conditions.

It is therefore the intention of the invention to provide a more visible safety reflector 5 device during these adverse environmental conditions, and hence reduce accidents for pedestrians, cyclists, trucks, baby prams, snow mobiles, boats and all other motorists and vehicles.

Another object with the invention is to enable safety reflectors to emit light in more than one direction, in spite of received light appearing or originating from one 10 direction only.

Additionally, versatile safety reflectors may be easily combined with other internal light sources such as etectro luminescence, and diodes powered by induction, photovoltaic or thermoelectrically.

Since versatile safety reflectors are operational even after batteries and diodes 15 malfunction or break, they will maintain essential safety standards.

Versatile safety reflectors may be made in a variety of shapes, sizes, colours and forms in order to comply with road administrative authorities, capable of reflecting bi-directionally, multi-directionally or 360 degrees, and provide clearer traffic guidance in all weather conditions, Versatile safety reflectors may act as delineators such as tall pylons, traffic cones or bollards mounted along edges of roads and used to channelize traffic or inform about lane closures or generally to direct traffic. 07/05 2009 THU 14:44 FAX +61 8 8231 1273 Collison. & Co --- IPOHZ 0010/037 3 Ridged reflecting posts may be arranged to close a road or path, or allow access for service routes and emergency entrances and exits.

Versatile safety road reflectors may be giued to road surfaces, partially sunk and anchored to the tarmac/macadam or remain motile. Other safety reflectors may be 5 modified and made suitable for automobiles, motorcycles, bicycles and other vehicles.

Retractable reflecting bollards, equipped with versatile safety reflectors, may be lowered into the ground when necessary, and flexible reflecting flaps or fins may be deployed to allow vehicles to drive over them allowing access when needed. Other 10 types of bollards in the shape of reflecting poles may be employed as gates in ski slopes or ski poles and sticks for skiers. General private and public gates and fences may be supplied with safety reflectors to enhance security as well as behaving decoratively.

Pedestrians or hikers having hanging or attached ornamental safety reflectors will 15 appear more visible as they walk along country roads or narrow pavements. Reflecting traffic cones inform of road works and other hazards and may be combined with traditional retro reflective sleeves or additional reflective white bands. ' Versatile road reflectors may of course also be used in combination with audio-20 visual studs. These are road studs that alert drivers of potential dangers by causing tactile vibrations and audible rumbling noises transmitted through a vehicles suspension mechanism.

Warning triangles can be covered with several versatile safety reflectors, enabling them to shine multi-directionally adding to road safety during vehicle breakdown. 25 improved safety studs will not only increase security along highways and act as 07/05 2009 THU 14:44 FAX +61 8 8231 1273 Collison & Co ->—» IPONZ 0011/037 4 speed breakers, they are also useful near zebra crossings, construction sites, railway road crossings, hospitals, parking lots, schools, sign posts, guard rails and act as pavement and verge markers.

Besides reflecting projected light back in the direction of it's site of origin, safety 5 reflectors have the ability to coliect natural ambient light from their surroundings and emit a more visible pronounced fight with or without the assistance of luminaires, making them more perceptible than traditional prior art studs.

The ability of safety reflectors to act as both light reflectors and light collectors is taken advantage of in order to stimulate photons/electrons within luminescent 10 material adjoining one or more reflectors or reflecting lenses.

Versatile safety reflectors may be comprised of two or more reflecting lenses or reflectors connected by luminescent material adjoining apertures along their reflective surfaces.

For example a safety reflector may consist of two reflecting lenses pierced and 15 joined at their rear reflecting ends by suitable luminescent/fluorescent material made of glass or synthetic material. Light entering either side will tend to excite luminescent material to a higher energy level, which in turn will emit light on both sides perceived to be brighter than comparable prior art modules.

Single units comprising a reflecting lens with luminescent material lodged through 20 one or more suitable windows along the reflective surface may emit light independently of additional lenses but will appear weaker and less efficient.

However several units assembled together in this manner may pick up ambient light rays as well as beams from passing headlights, spanning 360 degrees, and appear more luminous in all directions. 07/05 2009 THU 14:44 FAX +61 B 8231 1273 Collison & Co —— IPONZ 0012/037 Connecting light collecting reflectors in the shape of cones, pyramids, parabolas or troughs to luminescent material in conjunction with safety reflectors will enhance propagation of light. Other variations may include internally reflecting double cones or hyperbole or parts thereof, receiving, collecting, concentrating and transmitting 5 light to and from housed luminescent material. Reflecting surfaces may be lined with luminescent material, which in turn merges with the main luminescent body member. Coloured luminescent or clear spherical lenses or prisms may be lodged between adjoins hyperbolic or other shaped reflectors. Polarizing layers of crystal sheets covering parts of variously colored luminescent materials may be electrically 10 activated by photovoltaic means in order to create intermittent colored light displays. This is achieved simply by alternately allowing light to pass through the polarizing layer at set intervals.

For example when green and yellow light is blocked at certain times the stud will appear red, and when yellow and red light is hindered, green is emphasized 15 Supplementary diode lamps encased within the safety reflector may be powered by solar cells, or transferring energy from a distantly located primary coil to a secondary coil near or within the reflector device. Even thermoelectric methods may be employed to supply energy to both electro-luminescent material and polarizing layers.

Having reflectors made of different metals, or adjoining metal poles and harnessing currents resulting from temperature differences may achieve a potential difference.

Light collecting parts surrounding the luminescent body and material may be further modified using lenses, prisms with or without light collecting reflectors. Thin Fresnel lenses with short focal length may be beneficial in certain stud models in 25 - order to concentrate light toward reflectors or luminescent material. 07/05 2009 THU 14'. 45 FAX +61 8 8231 1273 Collison & Co IPOHZ @013/037 6 Reflective compartment may be hollow or filled with transparent material such as glass or synthetic material, and reflective walls may be concave, parabolic, elongated trough reflectors, or converging tapered cones and pyramids or parts thereof.

Luminescent bodies may be solid, liquid or gas containing organic or inorganic dyes which luminescence/fluoresce when struck by light or other radiant energy. Luminescent bodies in the shape of sheets, rods and fibers tend to conduct iight from one end to the other, or from one side to other sides, while other regular or irregular shapes may receive and transmit iight from their entire surface area. 10 Luminescent bodies may be made of glass, minerals, silicone, rubber or synthetic material, and possess favorable tight receiving and transmitting shapes or surfaces such as Fresnel, hologram, laser grooves, multifaceted with several aspects and phases, covered with dome shaped lenses, crystal or prismatic structures.

Reflecting surfaces may likewise acquire properties, which may promote reflection 15 similar to those, stated above, as well as contains luminescent materials or layers.

Certain fluorescent or luminescent material may fluoresce or luminescence respectively in association with vacuum, noble gases, radioactive materials, inorganic or organic dyes, metals and minerals and also within pressurized compartments.

Reflectors may have a plurality of refracting lenses or prismatic covers maximizing the amount of visible iight transmitted to motorists and others, as well as guiding light to be received in order to activate luminescent material.

Safety Road Triangles may have several rows of two-way safety reflectors sandwiched in-between reflective sheets supporting the sides of a triangle. Light 25 will then be reflected both ways from an approaching beam of light, and will be 07/05 2009 THU 14:45 FAX +61 8 8231 1273 Collison & Co ->->-» IPONZ 12)014/037 visible for other motorists coming from the opposite side of the road or in a bend or blind corner of the road. Traditional safety triangles need to receive light from both directions in order to achieve a similar safety standard.

Flexible or ridged reflecting poles may have several horizontal layers of safety 5 reflectors composed of multiple versatile reflectors set in circular formation joined at their tapered ends to luminescent material in order to receive and transmit light around the poles circumference.

Alternatively poles may be composed of vertical reflecting fins arranged as spoke wheels fanning out from a hub or central point housing luminescent material. The 10 fins will then appear as perpendicular oblong reflecting trough reflectors able to receive and transmit light from their outer boundary.

Safety reflectors attached to lamp posts or placed in the vicinity of street lamps will be able to shine 24 hours a day, using ambient light by day and stray light from it's host lamp during nocturnal conditions.

Cyclists and others will benefit both from stationary reflectors placed along roadways or designated cycle paths, as well as when carrying dynamic reflectors onboard their vehicles or worn ornamentally by drivers and passengers, owing to the fact that moving objects accompanied by lights become instantly more observable, heightening awareness levels of fellow citizens. Versatile safety 20 reflectors may be worn as pliable straps made according to descriptions applying to reflecting poles mentioned earlier or simply as reflectors affixed to helmets.

Compared to regular reflectors, versatile safety reflectors are more beneficial since they not only reflect light back towards a light sources, but also convert invisible light such as ultra violet light of shorter wavelength, into more visible light of longer 07/05 2009 THU 14s 45 FAX +61 8 8231 1273 Collison & Co IPOHZ @015/037 8 wavelength, and emit this iight in at least two directions perceivable by the human eye. introduction to drawings: Figure 1 shows a side view of two reflecting lenses joined together at their rear 5 reflecting bases, where each aperture interconnects with a luminescent body promoting production of light and able to deliver light to either section, regardless of direction of received radiant energy.

Figure 2 illustrates four reflecting spheres seen from above, able to emit light in multiple directions irrespective of whether one or more spheres receive incoming 10 iight.

Figure 3 depicts how a light collecting device in the form of a reflector collects light in order to luminescence a body in order to provide iight to reflecting lenses or other safety reflectors.

Figure 4 exemplifies an aerial view of how one or more reflecting lenses fluoresce 15 a centrally placed body enabling dispersion of light in all directions.

Figure 5 shows a top view of a versatile safety reflector in the shape of a sphere or half a sphere, where reflectors have their tapered ends set in circular formation in order to receive and emit energy to a luminescent or fluorescent body.

Figure 6 symbolizes figure 5 as seen from the side in cross section, in the form of a 20 circular road stud including an attaching portion for bonding with asphalt or cement.

Figure 7 typifies a perspective viewof a safety road stud marker with an exposed foreground side in order to see part of the interior. All reflectors are joined at their tapered ends by luminescent material. 07/05 2009 THU 14s45 FAX +61 8 8231 1273 Collison & Co » IPOWZ @016/037 9 Figure 8 shows a cross sectional side view of figure 7.

Figure 9 shows a perspective view of a safety road stud composed of light receiving and emitting trough reflectors, together with a diode lamp, solar cell and energy transferring coils.

Figure 10 depicts a cross-sectional side view of figure. 9.

Figure 11 shows a perspective view a safety refiector in the shape of a poie/pylon. Several circular sets of adjoining reflectors are arranged in layers.

Figure 12 illustrates a cross-sectional side view of how light is conveyed around a pole's circumference, from one side to the next or vice versa.

Figure 13 shows a perspective view of a reflecting pole or stick made up by trough reflectors set in circular formation around a mid portion composed of luminescent material.

Figure 14 demonstrates the interior of figure 13. and shows prismatic lenses covering each reflectors larger aperture.

Figure 15 shows a front or back view of a hazard triangle abie to emit light in both directions even though light emanates from one direction only.

Figure 16 shows a cross-sectional side view of figure 15. Light may be received from either side in order for the hazard triangle to be seen by motorists no matter what the headlights directional approach is. Light may also be received in between 20 the two sides of the triangle as long as the luminescent material is exposed.

Figure 17 illustrates a perspective view of a modified road stud marker. Conical or pyramidal reflectors receive and transmit light from either side, as well as 07/05 2009 THCJ 14:45 FAX +61 8 8231 1273 Collison & Co IPONZ @017/037 harnessing solar energy using trough reflectors to direct concentrated rays toward incubating luminescent/fluorescent body.

Figures 18,19 and 20 show graphically areas of luminescent material receiving concentrated light, exemplified by intersecting or crossing lines.

Figure 21 exemplifies a hyperbola having reflective surfaces lined by luminescent material, housing luminescent or standard lens or prism in tapered/converging part.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Figure 1 reflecting lenses 1, have apertures 4 in their rear concave reflecting ends 2, and are conjoined by luminescent body 3, so that received light 7 is directed by 10 lens 5 to luminescent material 3 and reflective surface of 2, in order to both reflect light back to a source of origin and luminescence material lodged in it's vicinity. Luminescent material 3 harbors properties, which excite photons or electrons to a higher energy level and thereby emit a light to all areas hosted by the material including it's neighboring twin reflecting lens.

Figure 2 reflecting spheres comprise reflecting rear halves 2 including apertures or windows for interconnection of luminescent material 3, and anterior halves acting as lenses or prismatic faces 5. Received light 7 from any direction will be utilized by luminescent material 3, to create a more visible light, which is distributed throughout all adjoining spheres, and emitted 8 to four cardinal points and visible in 20 all directions.

Figure 3 luminescent material 3 receives concentrated light 7 in a tapered end of a light-collecting reflector 6. Luminescent light is further transcended to reflecting lenses 1, which emit light 8 through their lenses 5. Thus light is received and transmitted by all three reflectors. 07/05 2009 THU 14:45 FAX +61 8 8231 1273 Collison & Co IPONZ @018/037 11 Figure 4 four reflecting lenses 1 are connected to luminescent material 3, and all are able to receive and transmit light in all directions.

Figure 5 a multifaceted luminescent body 3 is surrounded by reflectors 2 attached to their tapering ends resembling a sphere. Energy in the form of iight 5 enters 7 via lens or prismatic cover 5. Incidental energy causes the electrons of the atoms of the absorbing material 3 to become excited , when the electrons return to their original state, a photon of light is emitted. Produced light is of longer wavelength, than the excited light. Absorption of invisible but intense ultraviolet components of a primary light source is made possible and emission of visibfe light 10 is accomplished in all directions 8.

Certain materials within luminescent/fluorescent body 3 may be irradiated by visible light or ultraviolet light. Light becomes increasingly concentrated as it approaches tapered ends of certain reflectors such as internally reflecting cones, pyramids or trough reflectors. Because of the acute angle of the reflecting 15 surfaces, light is directed towards the converging ends of the reflectors and as the diameter or circumference is reduced light intensity is increased, and when it finally reaches luminescent body 3 it is near optimum. Other types of reflectors such as concave or parabolic may also be used, but since they collect and concentrate iight more 20 anteriorly the luminescent body must be larger and longer. This spherical 360 degree configuration may also be a relatively efficient and practical way to fluoresce bodies of all sizes since even smali safety reflectors made according to this description will function well and fulfil! a safety purpose, and may be used as ornaments on key rings or ear rings while simultaneously acting as a protective 25 device. Spherical safety reflectors also fit perfectly on apexes of traffic cones, pillars and obelisks.-The entire structure may be filled with transparent-material and/or covered by a prismatic lens or Fresnel sheet layer. It may even be combined with polarizing crystal layers actuated by small solar cells to cause visual 0019/037 12 displays such as shifts of color or only blinking actions, Figure 6 part of a reflecting sphere as shown in figure 5 has been mounted atop an anchoring device 14, in order to act as a suitable safety stud or pavement 5 marker. Besides providing regular retro directive reflecting elements or auxiliary power supply systems for additional artificial light, the device effectively uses ambient or other light 7 to fluoresce body 3 to secure an indirect light source 8 to motorists even during cloudy weather conditions.

Figure 7 shows a modified version of a roadblock or stud with prismatic faces 10 covering reflector's 2 larger apertures, and luminescent material lodged and connecting their smaller tapering apertures, in order to supply light sources to all compartments at the same time.

Figure 8 the drawing is a cross sectional side view of figure 7 showing the continuous flow of light between each reflective compartment. Any increase in 15 Light intensity 7 directed to any side will influence the transfer and emission of light 8 from all other compartments.

Figure 9 shows a schematic view of a road stud composed of light collecting And emitting trough reflectors 2, receiving rays of iight 7 from above and from either side with the intention to luminescent material 3 housed centrally within the structure so that light may appear from all exit and entry points. Additional light may be provided by one or more diode lamps 11 in separate reflectors or work in conjunction with the present luminescent material by feeding it with ultra violet light, 25 Diode lamps may be powered by small solar panels 10 or using induction coils transferring energy remotely from a primary coil 12 to a secondary coil 13. 07/05 2009 HHU 14:46 FAX +61 8 8231 1273 Collison & Co IPONZ 0020/037 13 Figure 10. is a cross-sectional side view of figure 9, and shows the continuous in and out flow of light through the entire versatile safety reflector system.

Figure 11 safety reflecting poles in the shape of pylons, bollards or other posts may become more efficient by incorporating versatile safety reflectors 5 in order for them to become more visible from ail angles and sides and so by enhance safety for all commuters irrespective of private or public transport. Reflector cones, pyramids or others are arranged so that they're tapering smaller apertures are affixed around a body of luminescent material, so that each set forms a circle. Each circular set in turn is mounted vertically above the next set 10 in order to form a neat pole like structure. Poles may then be covered with suitable materials with refractive properties. Luminescent material may contain alternating colors within each reflecting set along it's length, and contain filters which cause polarization of iight when fed small currents from a solar ceil or using high-energy fields or induction techniques. Once this has been set up 15 as desired the poles will flash at various apertures at different time intervals.

Figure 12 depicts a cross-sectional side-view from one layer of the reflecting circular sets shown in figure 11. Luminescent body 3 may be spherical, multi-faceted and/or of regular or irregular shape. Light 7 enters from any angle and is distributed to interconnecting reflectors 2, and then further reflected outward 8.

Figure 13 shows a perspective variation of figure 11. Instead of horizontal sets of tapering reflectors set in circular formation, vertical reflecting blades fan out from A mid zone filled with luminescent material 3. Reflecting troughs 2 resemble A-frames that run perpendicular to the poles and surround 180 degrees of their circumference. The poles outer perimeters have large obiong aperture entrances 25 covered by lenses or prisms that allow light to enter 7 in order to excite material housed within luminescent body 3. Photons are then released into interconnecting reflecting chambers and appear as visible iight 8 to an observer. 07/05 2009 THU 14:46 FAX +61 8 8231 1273 Collison & Co > IPONZ 0021/037 14 Figure 14 the drawing shows a cross-section of a pole as described in figure 13, with the addition of bulging lenses or prisms 5 used to capture and direct light rays 7 and 8.

Figure 15 shows an example of a portable hazard safety triangle commonly used 5 by motorists to alert oncoming traffic of a breakdown ahead. One or more rows of .versatile safety reflectors follow the length of each side of the triangle. Received light 7, is not only reflected back to the point of origin, but also toward the rear of the triangle 8, making it visible to traffic approaching from both directions. Since light may also be received and transmitted through the gap of the narrow sides of 10 the triangle and reach exposed parts of the luminescent body, these areas may be provided with optica! enhancing devices.

Figure 16 shows a cross-sectional side-view of a hazard triangle as described in Figure 15.

Figure 17 shows a general perspective view of a road stud, commonly referred 15 to as cat eyes among road administrators, because the road markers have a retro-reflective lens that reflect light in ways that resemble retinas of eyes.

Versatile safety reflectors may work in conjunction with regular retro-reflectors or on their own. The example depicted shows four tapering conical or pyramidal reflectors 2. Two reflectors are placed on either side of a central light collecting 20 trough reflector 6. Luminescent material 3 has connecting branches to all five reflectors converging open aperture ends, aiding and guiding light to pass between them 9 and their umbilical twin reflector on the opposing side. The combination and number of reflectors may of course be changed, such as using trough reflectors on the sides and circular tapering reflectors above, or using only 25 conical, pyramidal, spherical or parabolic varieties. 07/05 2009 THU 14i 46 FAX +61 8 8231 1273 Collison & Co IPONZ ®022/037 Combining or mixing primary colors may produce a spectrum of colors including white light. White light may be obtained by mixing the three primary colors red, green and blue. Luminescent bodies shaped as spherical lenses may produce focal points of bright colored light, and when these merge white light is formed. The 5 production of white light will be of benefit when the object is to enhance the appearance of white road markers or studs. Clear uncoiored spherical lenses lodged in tapered ends of light receiving reflectors will also emit a brighter light. Transparent dowels or rods mounted in converging ends of elongated trough reflectors may also act as lenses to direct light, and these may be colored or clear 10 to achieve similar results.

Increased visibility of the layout of roads using a variety of versatile reflector systems will inform as well as improve operators of vehicles reaction times, and so by reduce accidents and save lives.

Figure 18 shows an example of optima! placement of luminescent materia! in 15 order to receive maximum exposure to concentrated rays of light. Light rays 7. enter from either side of a hyperbola, cone or pyramid reflector, and is collected, guided and concentrated toward luminescent body member 3. Rays tend to decussate and congregate within a confined space, on either side of the tapering adjoining reflective surfaces.

Figure 19 demonstrates optimal placement of luminescent body member as in Fig. 18, but using concave or parabolic reflectors instead. Light rays 7, tends to concentrate more anteriorly. That is, light concentrates proximally, whereas in Fig. 18 it is guided distally.

Figure 20 illustrates a reflector arrangement working in concert to project 25 concentrated light toward a central point. Light rays 7, enter from either side in order to merge in a shared confined area within luminescent body member 3. 07/05 2009 SHU 14:46 FAX +61 8 8231 1273 Collison & Co —<IPOMZ 0023/037 16 Figure 21 shows hyperbolic reflective surfaces lined by luminescent material, housing a lens or prism 5, Dated this 7th day of May 2009 LEIF LEVON By his Patent Attorneys

Claims (14)

17 THE CLAIMS DEFINING THE INVENTION ARE AS FOLLOWS

1. A reflector apparatus suitable for roads, vehicles and pedestrians or as an ornamental light, comprising: (a) a fluorescent or photo-luminescent body; and (b) at least two adjoining reflectors, each reflector having an opening at tapered end thereof, the tapered openings being adjacent each other and defining a lodgement arranged to receive said fluorescent or photo-luminescent body, wherein a mirror is adapted to receive and concentrate the light from ambient light or other remote light sources and to concentrate it onto the fluorescent or photo-luminescent body so as to make it fluorescent or luminescent.

2. A reflector apparatus according to claim 1, wherein reflector member consists of an internally reflecting parabola or possessing parabolic reflecting elements.

3. A reflector apparatus according to claiml, wherein reflector members are of conical or pyramidal shape so that light is internally collected and reflected in order to provide concentrated light to luminescent or fluorescent body member from at least two directions.

4. A reflector apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of reflector members are of concave shape so that light may be reflected towards a luminescent or fluorescent body member extending from converging smaller aperture.

5. A reflector apparatus according to claim 1, wherein one or more light collecting reflector elements may be of oblong trough shape and housing or interconnecting luminescent or fluorescent body member extending from convergent aperture

6. A reflector apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein lenses or prisms are lodged in the tapered openings.

7. A reflector apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein light may be emitted 360 degrees in spite of received light appearing from one direction only, since all reflectors are simultaneously influenced by or coupled to mutually shared luminescent or fluorescent body member.

8. A reflector apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein lenses, prisms or Fresnel lenses act as covers.

9. A reflector apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein polarizing crystal layers permit intermittent passage of light.

10. A reflector apparatus according to any preceding claim, able to emit coloured or white light. 18

11. A reflector apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein polarizing layers of crystal sheets cover parts of variously coloured luminescent materials, electrically activated by photovoltaic means in order to create intermittent coloured light displays by alternately allowing light to pass through the polarizing layer at set intervals.

12. A reflector apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein reflecting surfaces contain luminescent materials or layers.

13. A reflector apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein fluorescent or luminescent material may fluoresce or luminesce in association with vacuum, noble gases, radio active materials, inorganic or organic dyes, metals and minerals and also within pressurized compartments.

14. A reflector apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein clear uncoloured spherical lenses are lodged in tapered ends of Sight receiving reflectors in order to emit brighter light.